Dec 12, 2024
Second Annual Winter Solstice Market at Anatomy Tattoo
Date: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Anatomy Tattoo, 2820 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Celebrate with Us One Last Time at Sandy Blvd!
We’re thrilled to host our Second Annual Winter Solstice Market, a special farewell event as we prepare to move to our new location in 2025. This is your chance to gather with friends, shop local, and celebrate the vibrant community we’ve built together over the years.
What to Expect:
- Local Vendors: A curated selection of artisans and makers offering unique art, handmade goods, and more.
- Community Gathering: Connect with friends, neighbors, and the creative minds behind the market.
- Live Tattooing: Our talented apprentices, Joy Payne (@joyofpaynetattoos) and Jayden Mueller (@jaydeninink), will be tattooing live throughout the event.
Big News – We’re Moving!
After 20 incredible years at 2820 NE Sandy Blvd, we’re excited to announce that starting January 1, 2025, Anatomy Tattoo will officially call 3021 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 home.
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, we’re looking forward to creating new memories in our new space. If you have an appointment scheduled before the end of 2024, it will still take place at our Sandy Blvd location. Starting January 1, all appointments will move to Broadway.
Eventbrite Link
Reserve your spot and invite friends! Goodbye Sandy Eventbrite Link
Vendor Details:
If you’re a vendor, please arrive between 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM to set up. Be ready to welcome customers by 6 PM. Check your email for more details and the flyer to share on social media.
Let’s make this an unforgettable sendoff for our beloved Sandy Blvd shop. See you there!
Dec 7, 2024
#friday the 13th flash tattoos portland
Friday the 13th is almost here, and we’re turning the superstition into a full-day flash-tattoo celebration. Below is everything you need to know—from hours and pricing to queue logistics—so you can plan your visit and get inked without guesswork.
Event Snapshot
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Date & Time
Friday, June 13 · 12 PM – 9 PM (doors close once the final guest in line is checked in)
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Location
Anatomy Tattoo · 3021 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
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Format
Flash designs only, first-come first-served, walk-ins exclusively. We won’t take bookings by phone, email, or DM on flash day.
Flash Designs
Our artists have prepared a dedicated sheet that blends classic Friday the 13th imagery—black cats, broken mirrors, tilted “13” numerals—with nature-heavy twists that match our studio’s style.
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Instagram preview: Completed flash sheets will post to our Stories (@anatomytattoo) several days before the event. Reviewing them in advance speeds up selection on the day.
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Repeatable designs: Every piece on the sheet can be tattooed as many times as guests request; no retirements or “one-per-person” limits apply.
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Tweaks: Minor size adjustments, mirror flips, or color swaps are possible at the station. Large redraws convert the piece into a new custom project to be booked later at standard rates.
Pricing & Payment
How the Line Works
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Arrival & Line-Up – Guests queue outside the front entrance; please keep doorways clear for neighboring shops. Doors open at noon. Staff invite people inside in the order they arrived.
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Design Selection – Printed flash sheets are displayed near the counter. Choose your design, confirm size and placement with the coordinator, and you’ll be assigned to the next available artist.
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Payment & Prep – Pay before the artist sets up. All needles, tubes, ink caps, and barriers are single-use.
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Tattoo Time – Most sessions run 15–30 minutes; the largest flash can reach 45 minutes. Bring headphones or a book in case the line slows.
Studio Policies
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Age: 18 + with a valid government-issued photo ID—no minors.
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Placement: Flash day pieces are limited to areas below the collarbone and above the ankle. Hands, necks, ribs, and faces are excluded.
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Health & Safety: Anatomy Tattoo follows Oregon Health Authority standards; every station is disinfected and wrapped between clients. If you have latex or adhesive sensitivities, tell staff when you check in.
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Piercing: Not offered at this shop.
Getting Here
Parking
Transit
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TriMet bus Line 77 (Broadway-Halsey) and Line 70 (12th/NE 33rd) stop within a half-block of NE Broadway & 30th Ave, providing direct service from downtown, Lloyd District, and Northeast neighborhoods. TenantBase
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The Hollywood/NE 42nd MAX station is roughly a 15-minute walk east along Broadway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a different color palette on the day?
Yes—simple color swaps or slight size changes are fine. Anything requiring a fresh drawing becomes a custom booking.
Can two friends pick the same design?
Absolutely. There is no limit on how many times any flash piece can be tattooed during the event.
What if I show up near closing?
If the queue reaches capacity, staff will post updates on Instagram Stories and place a sign at the door. Anyone already inside before the cut-off will still be tattooed.
Do I need to bring anything?
A valid photo ID, comfortable clothing that exposes the target area, and cash for faster checkout. Eating a meal and staying hydrated before arrival is strongly recommended.
Questions?
Email anatomytattoo@gmail.com or call (503) 231-1199 during shop hours. Real-time updates—line length, parking notes, flash availability—will run on Instagram Stories throughout the day.
Jun 3, 2022 | Neo-traditional, Tattoo Styles
Looking for a tattoo that combines classic charm with a modern twist? Neo-Traditional tattoos offer the best of both worlds, blending old-school aesthetics with contemporary techniques. As a relatively new style, Neo-Traditional tattoos draw significant influence from historic Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, the Art Nouveau, and Art Deco movements. These diverse artistic influences, when combined with the foundation of American Traditional tattooing, create a uniquely recognizable and timeless style. Neo-Traditional tattoos honor traditional artistry while embracing the advancements of modern tattooing technology. The color palettes and patterns are notably influenced by Eastern art, while Art Nouveau lends its rich, intricate details like lace, pearls, and golden filigree. Art Deco, meanwhile, contributes geometric ornamentation, lavish details, and symmetrical patterns, which subtly enhance the overall design. Together, these movements create the iconic style we know and love today as Neo-Traditional.
Although less immediately evident, the Art Deco movement plays a key role in Neo-Traditional tattoo design. Unlike the highly ornate Victorian era, Art Deco embraced sleek, modern lines and geometric patterns, symbolizing society’s push for innovation. This “new age” aesthetic reflected the era’s fascination with machine technology and streamlined design. Art Deco’s influence can be seen in the symmetrical, polished look of Neo-Traditional tattoos, adding an understated yet powerful elegance. While Art Nouveau remains the most dominant influence, Art Deco’s contribution to the sleek design and glamor of Neo-Traditional tattoos is undeniable.
To fully appreciate the Neo-Traditional style, it’s essential to explore the history of the Art Nouveau movement. Active from 1890 to 1910, Art Nouveau itself was heavily inspired by Japanese aesthetics, particularly the bold linework and harmonious color combinations seen in Eastern art. More than just a visual art movement, Art Nouveau extended to architecture, interior design, fashion, and furniture. Key characteristics of this refined style include flowing “whiplash” curves, intricate botanical patterns, delicate gold detailing, and natural forms in portraits and florals. Neo-Traditional tattooing translates these organic shapes and elegant motifs from the canvas to the skin, capturing the essence of Art Nouveau in ink.
We’ve curated some excellent examples from our talented artists’ portfolios to showcase the beauty of Neo-Traditional tattoos. Portraits of women with flowing hair and soft lashes are a quintessential representation of this style. Nature also plays a central role, with tattoos featuring plants, animals, marine life, insects, and other natural elements. Regardless of the subject matter, several distinct characteristics set Neo-Traditional tattoos apart, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind piece.
Some key techniques commonly used in Neo-Traditional tattoos include bold black outlines with varying line widths to create depth and dimension. The focus is often on a central figure or symbol, framed by ornate details. This illustrative style softens the art’s overall appearance, creating a romantic and visually pleasing effect. The subject matter typically includes nature, organic shapes, figures, and floral designs, all flowing harmoniously together. In modern Neo-Traditional tattoos, much of the traditional symbolism has been replaced by personal connections to classic themes, giving the art a contemporary edge.
A hallmark of this style is its vibrant use of color. Rich hues like deep purples, velvety greens, golds, and ochre yellows frequently appear, paying homage to Art Nouveau’s muted palette. However, Neo-Traditional tattoos also embrace the modern introduction of more saturated, vibrant pigments. While color is often a defining feature of this style, Neo-Traditional designs also translate beautifully into black and grey. In these monochromatic pieces, shading is subtle and blends seamlessly into the bold black outlines, giving the tattoo a soft yet striking appearance.
Whether you’re drawn to the deep meaning behind the art or simply the timeless aesthetic, Neo-Traditional tattoos are a fantastic choice for anyone.
Jul 10, 2018 | Tattoo Styles, tattoos, Uncategorized
The American tattoo tradition is believed to have started during the American War of Independence, particularly among sailors. In those early days, U.S. sailors sought to mark their bodies with defining and distinguishable tattoos to avoid being mistaken for British soldiers, who often took unclaimed men into service. These tattoos served as a clear symbol of identity, helping sailors prove who they were and where they belonged. This necessity sparked the beginnings of a unique tattoo culture among sailors.
As sailors traveled the world, they encountered rich tattoo traditions in other lands, often choosing to get tattoos as mementos of their journeys or as reminders of their homes and loved ones. Over time, sailor tattoos grew to hold cherished meanings, becoming symbols of patriotism, protection, and personal milestones. These traditional designs carried deep significance, making each tattoo a reflection of the wearer’s life at sea.
Today, while the meanings behind these traditional images may not always be as concrete, there’s still something timeless and captivating about them. Many people choose American Traditional tattoos simply because of the way the designs speak to them. The bold lines, solid colors, and classic imagery are designed to endure, standing the test of time both in artistry and meaning.
Ships and Pirate Ships
An image of a fully rigged ship sometimes signified that the sailor has sailed around Cape Horn. Cape Horn is at the southernmost tip of South America where the waters are rough and stormy. Sometimes the ships were replicas of vessels the sailors sailed. A pirate ship could be symbolic for determination and adventure.
Anchors
The anchor symbolizes stability and steadfast strength. With the representation of steadiness and endurance, it is common for an anchor to have a loved one’s name draped around it. The image of a compass or nautical star is a representation of the North Star guiding the ship home.
Hula and Pin-Up Girls
A Pin-Up girl tattoo was often the only female a sailor may see while away. The old school pin up girls could imply the memory of a loved one back home. Tattoos of Hula girls usually represent that a sailor has been to the islands of Hawaii.
Mermaids
A mermaid often personified the love that a sailor has for the sea. The mermaid beckons the sailor to return to ‘his true mistress’, the sea.
Swallows
A swallow is a bird that is known for its long migrations and its safe return to home. It is common for a swallow to travel the long distance between the Americas, hence the symbolism in nautical tattoos of a ship that sails to a far away destinations and returns safely home. If a sailor were to die at sea, the swallows would carry his soul home to heaven.
Panthers
A black panther exemplifies prowess, bravery and courage.
Eagles
The American bald eagle is a true patriotic symbol representing honor, strength, intelligence and focus. All the characteristics a sailor would encompass.
Snakes
A snake is often tattooed in a coiled position, ready to strike. The snake is a symbol of power and potency, a warning to enemies.
Pigs and Roosters
Pigs and roosters were often transported in wooden crates. Often it is these passengers that survived a fallen vessel, protected by the cages they resided in the pigs and roosters had alarming survival rates. A pig on the right foot and a rooster on the left signified the ability to survive. This is symbolic for keeping the sailor from drowning.
Turtles
A shell-back turtle signifies that a sailor has crossing the equator while out to sea.
Skulls
Death fascinates, and ultimately comes for, us all. For this reason, skulls and other death related motifs are popular tattoo choices. Often this is a form of “memento mori”, or a reminder that everyone dies. For other who’s occupation bring them close to death at times, such as soldiers and sailors, it serves to represent a coming to terms with, or even warding off, the inevitable.
Hearts
A heart is symbolic of keeping loved ones close. Adding a name to your heart is a personalized way to honor your loves.
Daggers
A dagger represents a broken heart or a lost love.
Whether your tattoo symbolizes your patriotism, celebrates accomplishments at sea, serves as a protective charm, or is simply a design you love, tattoos remain as unique as the individuals who wear them. For inspiration, you can look to the legendary flash art created by Cap Coleman, Sailor Jerry, and Paul Rogers, the pioneers of American Traditional tattooing.
We’re passionate about these tattoos because they not only represent the roots of tattoo culture in America, but they also hold strong through the years. Their simplicity is deceptive—while they may look straightforward, it’s the skillful application that makes them so impactful. Bold lines, solid coloring, and beautiful whip shading make these designs stand out, looking great from a distance, up close, and for a lifetime.
At Anatomy Tattoo, we specialize in both custom and traditional tattoo designs. Whether you come in with a detailed sketch or just the beginnings of an idea, our talented artists will work with you to create a unique tattoo that fits your vision perfectly. If you’re seeking something specifically traditional, we also have a wall of flash designs ready to go!
Looking to get a traditional tattoo? Anatomy Tattoo has some phenomenal artists who are passionate about bringing these iconic designs to life.
Schedule your consultation or stop by the shop to discuss your tattoo ideas—we’d love to meet you and help bring your vision to reality!
May 1, 2018 | artists, Fun Events, tattoos
Every once in a while, we get the chance to work on tattoos that truly spark our passion. May 4th, affectionately known as Star Wars Day, is one of those days that never fails to excite us. Each year, our talented artists embrace their inner nerd and create unique, playful, and often hilarious Star Wars-themed tattoo designs to share with the public.
This year is no different—we’re thrilled to offer a fresh batch of one-of-a-kind, custom tattoos. These exclusive, one-off designs are a special opportunity for fans to get a completely original piece of art that will never be repeated. In addition, we’re unveiling an ever-expanding collection of flash designs, which are popular tattoos we offer regularly due to their timeless appeal.
n a fun twist this year, we’re also taking part in a “tattoo flash exchange” with other local artists. This exciting collaboration allows us to trade our custom designs for new sheets created by other talented tattooists, so our collection is bigger and more diverse than ever. With an extensive range of Star Wars tattoos available, you’ll have plenty to choose from!
Whether you’re looking for a classic Star Wars icon, a humorous twist on your favorite character, or something entirely original, we have designs that will let your fandom shine. Below, you’ll find some of our all-time favorite Star Wars tattoos we’ve created, along with new designs up for grabs this May 4th. May the ink be with you!
